Who were the Abstract Illusionist painters and how did they challenge the boundaries of perception?

Abstract Illusionism is an art movement that emerged in the mid-1970s, characterized by a focus on creating an illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. The artists associated with this movement sought to push the boundaries of perception and challenge traditional ideas about what constitutes a painting.

Some of the key artists associated with Abstract Illusionism include Richard Anuszkiewicz, Julian Stanczak, and Victor Vasarely. These artists created works that used geometric forms, contrasting colors, and intricate patterns to create optical illusions and make the viewer question what they were seeing.

The Abstract Illusionist painters were influenced by a number of earlier art movements, including Op Art, which also explored optical illusions, and Abstract Expressionism, which prioritized the physical act of painting. However, Abstract Illusionism was unique in its focus on the viewer's perception and the creation of illusions of depth and movement.

The movement challenged the traditional notion of painting as a two-dimensional medium, and helped to pave the way for new forms of digital and interactive art that continue to challenge our perceptions today.